October 20, 2008

Celebrating 25 years as one of the premier cultural events in South Florida, the University of Miami Frost School of Music's annual Festival Miami will hold its first performance in the BankUnited Center on the UM campus October 23 at 8 p.m. Also new this year, the Frost School's Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, comprised of jazz and classical students working together in a "studio orchestra" setting, will make its debut in its new home.

Winner of three Grammy awards and on more than 100 records over the years, Bruce Hornsby, takes to the stage to perform his best known works from 13 albums. Hornsby, whose albums have sold over 11 million copies worldwide, will collaborate with such musical luminaries as Steve Miller, Patti Austin, Monica Mancini, Dave Koz, Ricky Skaggs, Tom Scott, Will Lee, Jon Secada and others. All proceeds will benefit the Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music Program Scholarship Fund at the Frost School.

Steve Miller, whom Rolling Stone describes as "rich, clipped and characterized by a powerful forward momentum," is one of the world's most beloved rock stars. Miller is best known for hits "The Joker,""Fly Like an Eagle,""Abracadabra" and "Livin' in the U.S.A."

Patti Austin, who the New York Times called "Strong and flexible, with a velvety texture and immaculately rounded tones," has worked with such legends as Luther Vandross, Johnny Mathis and Michael Jackson, and in 2008 received her first Grammy award.

Monica Mancini, daughter of conductor/composer Henry Mancini, who has "the glamorous vocal equivalent of diamonds flashing" (New York Times), has appeared with many notable performers, including Placido Domingo, Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. She kicked off the "Year of Mancini," including the debut of the Henry Mancini Postage Stamp, with a sold-out concert in Carnegie Hall, part of her extensive tour of more than 60 cities.

Ricky Skaggs is a bluegrass legend and 12-time Grammy Award winner, including Best Album for Children: Songs from the Neighborhood: the Music of Mister Rogers.

Six-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Dave Koz, multi-Grammy winner Tom Scott, and famous UM Frost alums Jon Secada and Will Lee complete the lineup of musical celebrities that will perform both individually and in impromptu "bands." Tickets are available by calling 305.358.5885 or at www.ticketmaster.com.